The Truth About Health Testing in Siberian Huskies: What Every Puppy Buyer Needs to Know

If you’re searching for a responsibly bred Siberian Husky, health testing should be a top priority—but many puppy buyers don’t realize just how important it is.

Some breeders claim their dogs are “healthy” without any formal testing, while others say their puppies are “vet checked” as if that replaces genetic screening. Unfortunately, these statements can be misleading and even dangerous.

Let’s break down what health testing actually is, why it matters, and how to spot red flags when looking for a well-bred Husky.

What Is Health Testing?

Health testing is not just a routine vet exam. It involves specialized screenings for genetic conditions and inherited diseases that can affect a dog’s long-term health.

For Siberian Huskies, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the Siberian Husky parent breed club recommend specific tests to screen for known health risks. These include:

✔ Hip Dysplasia Screening – Detects joint abnormalities that can cause pain and mobility issues. Evaluated by OFA or PennHIP. ✔ Eye Exam (CAER/OFA) – Checks for hereditary cataracts, PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), and corneal dystrophy. Performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist. ✔ SHPN1 & SPS1 Genetic Testing – Screens for Siberian Husky Polyneuropathy (SHPN1) and Shaking Puppy Syndrome (SPS1), two newly recognized disorders that affect nerve and muscle function.

To earn a Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) number, a Siberian Husky must complete the minimum recommended health tests for the breed.

💡 Did you know? CHIC certification does NOT mean a dog passed all tests—it simply means the breeder made the results publicly available. Responsible breeders use this information to make informed decisions.

Why Does Health Testing Matter?

Without proper screening, hereditary diseases can silently pass down through generations, affecting not just one litter but entire bloodlines.

🚨 What happens when breeders skip health testing? 🔴 Increased risk of genetic disorders – A puppy may appear healthy but carry genes for debilitating diseases. 🔴 No way to predict hereditary conditions – Buyers are left with uncertainty about their puppy’s long-term health. 🔴 No health guarantees – A breeder who doesn’t test cannot responsibly offer a health guarantee.

When health issues appear later in life, families are often left with expensive vet bills and, in some cases, heartbreaking decisions.

Responsible breeders invest in health testing to produce healthier dogs and reduce these risks.

Red Flags: How to Spot Irresponsible Breeders

🚩 “Our puppies are vet checked.” ➡ Why it’s a red flag: A vet check only assesses a dog’s current health—it does NOT screen for genetic conditions.

🚩 “Our dogs are healthy, we’ve never had issues.” ➡ Why it’s a red flag: Many genetic disorders don’t appear until adulthood. A breeder claiming “no issues” without proof of testing is not reliable.

🚩 “We don’t need to test because our lines are healthy.” ➡ Why it’s a red flag: Without documented proof, there is no way to confirm a dog is free of hereditary diseases.

🚩 “Health testing isn’t necessary for pet puppies.” ➡ Why it’s a red flag: Even if you don’t plan to breed, your puppy deserves to come from healthy parents. Unethical breeders use this excuse to cut costs.

🚩 The breeder refuses to show proof of testing. ➡ Why it’s a red flag: Ethical breeders are transparent and should readily provide health testing results—or direct buyers to public databases like OFA.

🔍 Tip: If a breeder’s website or social media has NO mention of health testing, that’s a red flag. Responsible breeders proudly display their health testing results.

Questions Every Puppy Buyer Should Ask

If you’re considering a new puppy, here are key questions to ask a breeder:

✅ Can I see the OFA health testing results for both parents? (Not just a general “vet check” statement.) ✅ Do you test for SHPN1 and SPS1? (These are now required for CHIC certification.) ✅ What steps do you take to reduce the risk of genetic diseases? ✅ Do you offer a health guarantee? (If so, does it cover genetic conditions?) ✅ Are your dogs CHIC-certified, and are results publicly available?

A reputable breeder should be eager to answer these questions and provide documentation. If they avoid or dismiss these concerns, walk away.

The Future of Health Testing in Siberian Huskies

With advancements in genetic testing, we now have more tools than ever to produce healthier Siberian Huskies. The addition of SHPN1 and SPS1 testing is a huge step forward in ensuring the long-term health of the breed.

As awareness grows, health testing will become the standard—not the exception.

If you’re looking for a healthy, well-bred Siberian Husky, always choose a breeder who prioritizes health testing, transparency, and ethical breeding practices.

📝 Did you find this article helpful? Share it with others who are considering adding a Husky to their family!